CEU Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2016
| Author | Khon, Olga |
|---|---|
| Title | Changes in the hydrological regime of the Ural River and challenges for transboundary cooperation within the UNECE Water Convention |
| Summary | Due to low water availability Kazakhstan’s environmental security and social development can be potentially jeopardized by water scarcity. Deficit and worsening quality is complicated by severe dependence on the water inflow from neighbouring countries as seven of eight basins in Kazakhstan are transboundary. This thesis focuses on the Ural River Basin. Being the major water source in the region, the transboundary Ural River is of a great significance to both Russia and Kazakhstan, providing water supply for industrial, agricultural, and drinking needs. Since it is the only water source in the downstream Western Kazakhstan and Atyrau oblast (region), the population of the Ural-Caspian basin is heavily dependent on adequate quantity and rational distribution with upstream Russia. The aim of this thesis is to explore hydrological changes in the Ural River Basin, those potentially undermining water security in the region. It further provides overview of corresponding challenges and prospects in building sustainable transboundary cooperation between Russia and Kazakhstan within the UNECE Water Convention framework. Hydrological changes in the Ural River Basin, those potentially undermining water security in the region were explored, including climate change, water reservoirs in the upstream and agricultural activities. As analyzed, the climate change effects have been altering river’s flow by changes in precipitation and temperature, the impact is done by construction of major Iriklinskoye and other upstream water reservoirs, and finally agricultural activities have had little effect on river’s hydrology. Corresponding challenges and prospects in building sustainable transboundary cooperation between Russia and Kazakhstan within the UNECE Water Convention framework were analyzed. Based on the three principles, including “equitable and reasonable distribution”, “precautionary principle” and “no significant harm”, the Convention can contribute to dealing with both river hydrology issues and transboundary pollution. |
| Supervisor | Lagutov, Viktor |
| Department | Environment Sciences and Policy MSc |
| Full text | https://www.etd.ceu.edu/2016/khon_olga.pdf |
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